ARTICLES

What is The Tactile System in Children
Occupational Therapy Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone Occupational Therapy Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone

What is The Tactile System in Children

What is the tactile system in children? In the early stages of life, the development of sensory systems plays a pivotal role in shaping a child’s ability to interact with the world around them. Among these systems, the tactile system, responsible for processing touch and pressure sensations, is particularly significant in children’s growth and development. This article will examine the anatomy, developmental milestones, and the implications of a healthy tactile system for a child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development.

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Is Your Child Clumsy?
Occupational Therapy Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone Occupational Therapy Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone

Is Your Child Clumsy?

Is your child clumsy or seems to have a knack for bumping into furniture, walls, and even people? It can be frustrating, worrisome, and even downright comical at times. While being clumsy can be a normal part of typical development during toddlerhood, it can also indicate neuromotor and sensory processing challenges. Let’s look at possible causes and explore practical solutions for parents concerned about their child’s lack of motor coordination.

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How the Multiple Intelligence Theory Impacts Learning and Education
Occupational Therapy Robert DeSimone Occupational Therapy Robert DeSimone

How the Multiple Intelligence Theory Impacts Learning and Education

The traditional view of intelligence has often been narrow, focusing primarily on academic aptitude and standardized test scores. However, Howard Gardner's multiple intelligence theory revolutionized the way we understand human cognitive abilities. Gardner's theory suggests that there are several distinct types of intelligence, each with its unique characteristics and qualities. This paradigm shift has profound implications for education, as it recognizes the diverse ways individuals learn and excel. In this article, we will explore Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences and discuss its significant impact on learning.

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What Are Developmental Milestones: Gross and Fine Motor
Occupational Therapy Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone Occupational Therapy Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone

What Are Developmental Milestones: Gross and Fine Motor

The early years of a child's life are a time of remarkable growth and development. From the moment they are born, children begin a journey of learning and discovery, reaching important developmental milestones along the way. These milestones are key indicators of a child's progress in various areas of development, including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional. Understanding these milestones can help parents and caregivers ensure that a child is on track and provide the necessary support to foster healthy development. The following is meant to be a guideline. Infants and children develop at varying rates; however, if you are concerned that your child may have a significant delay, speak with your pediatrician and explore options for a formal developmental assessment by a professional.

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What are Cognitive Developmental Milestones
Occupational Therapy Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone Occupational Therapy Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone

What are Cognitive Developmental Milestones

Cognitive developmental milestones refer to a child's mental growth and capacity to understand, reason, and learn about the world, and this starts from day one. Newborns take in information from their sensory systems, and they are constantly learning about their own bodies, their families, and their environments. While development varies from child to child, the following milestones are a way for parents to see what they can expect as their little one grows and develops. 

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Who benefits from Pediatric Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy Robert DeSimone Occupational Therapy Robert DeSimone

Who benefits from Pediatric Occupational Therapy?

ince I've had a career in pediatric occupational therapy, it's hard for me not to brag about how considerable the benefits of OT are for all children. OT is a specialized branch of healthcare that focuses on helping children achieve their maximum potential in various areas of development. Occupational therapists work with children who face multiple challenges, including dysfunction in sensory processing, emotional regulation, visual perceptual skills, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, social skills, play skills, feeding, self-care, and behavioral concerns. Let's talk about the considerable benefits of pediatric occupational therapy, shedding light on these critical areas of daily function.

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Joint Attention As A Powerful Connection Between Child and Adult
Occupational Therapy Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone Occupational Therapy Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone

Joint Attention As A Powerful Connection Between Child and Adult

Joint attention is intricately linked with a child's social-emotional, communicative, and cognitive growth. It refers to the shared focus of two individuals on an object, activity, or event for mutual interaction. This behavior emerges as a crucial component of early social and communicative behaviors and is instrumental in the bonding process between a child and caregiver​​​​.

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What Does OT Look Like for My Older Child?
Occupational Therapy Robert DeSimone Occupational Therapy Robert DeSimone

What Does OT Look Like for My Older Child?

Pediatric OT is often associated with a gym-like environment that offers a place for kids to swing, crash, and bump on mats and jumbo pillows. This can be helpful in providing sensory input that a child may crave and need for their development. By adolescence, children start honing their logic and critical thinking skills. At Playright, we offer an inspiring, creative space for children to learn about themselves, gain insight and perspective on how to be mindful and regulated and develop effective strategies for daily life.

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How Creative Activities Boost Executive Functioning in Adolescents
Parenting, Occupational Therapy Robert DeSimone Parenting, Occupational Therapy Robert DeSimone

How Creative Activities Boost Executive Functioning in Adolescents

Adolescence is a crucial period of growth and development, marked by numerous physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. Among these changes, the development of executive functioning skills plays a pivotal role in shaping an adolescent's ability to succeed in school and beyond. Executive functioning encompasses the cognitive processes responsible for planning, organization, decision-making, and self-control. Engaging in crafts and creative activities during this time can significantly benefit adolescents by enhancing their executive functioning skills. Crafting serves as a powerful tool for nurturing these essential cognitive abilities.

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